The Last Judgment and Hell

Dr. Schreck begins the study of the second part of the Catholic Catechism—"The Celebration of the Christian Mystery"—which presents the meaning and importance of liturgy and sacraments. We begin by discussing, "What is liturgy and what is its place in the life of the Church?" and "Who celebrates the liturgy?" 

What happens when Jesus returns "to judge the living and the dead"? Dr. Schreck explores what happens preceding Christ's second coming and the meaning of a "new heaven and a new earth." He also talks about what happens to each person at the Last Judgment and the Church's teaching on hell—not as a "possibility" but as a reality that one can freely choose irrevocably and eternally.

Dr. Schreck continues the study of "the Four Last Things" by presenting the Catholic doctrine of heaven and hell. He distinguishes three approaches to doctrines: apologetic  (defense of the reasonableness of the doctrine), theological (speculation on its meaning or implications), and catechetical (a clear explanation of what the Church teaches). This series, Catechism Alive!, takes the third approach to explain what Catholics believe about heaven and hell.

Continuing the Catholic understanding of the "last things," Dr. Schreck speaks of the particular judgment at the moment of death, including a consideration for the judgment of unbaptized infants and children. He also talks about the Catholic and biblical teaching on what will precede the Second Coming of Christ and how to prepare for it.    

This article of the Apostles' Creed—professing belief in "the resurrection of the body"—begins the presentation of Catholic belief in the four last things: heaven, hell, death, and judgment. Dr. Schreck describes what death is and how Christians can approach and understand death with hope, rather than fear. The meaning of the "resurrection of the body" is understood in light of Christ's Resurrection, by which he overcame death, "the last enemy to be destroyed" (1 Cor. 15:26).

Included the "communion of saints" professed in the Apostles' Creed is the saint who has a unique and exalted place in God's plan of salvation: Mary, the mother of God. Dr. Schreck explores the Catholic Church's teaching on Mary's place in the Church, the power of her intercession as the Church's mother, and the special honor given to her by millions of Christians over the centuries.

In the Apostles' Creed, the profession of faith in "the holy Catholic Church" is immediately followed by "the communion of saints." Dr. Schreck talks about how the Church and the communion of saints are not two separate realities. The communion of saints conveys the truth that the Church includes not only those living now but also the union of all those who have died in Christ. In Jesus, we have a living and life-giving relationship that leads ultimately to the full and glorious communion of heaven. 

After reviewing how lay people participate in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly ministries of Christ today, Dr. Schreck describes the important vocation and apostolate those who consecrate themselves to Jesus Christ and his service through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chaste celibacy, and obedience. The various forms of religious or consecrated life has, for centuries, been a powerful witness to the Lord and an instrument of the Church's mission.

Following the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals a new emphasis and clarity on the essential role and mission of lay people in the Church and the world.

Jesus' promise that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church into all truth is fulfilled in this gift of infallibility: that God's people would know with certainty the truth which is essential to Christian faith as revealed by the Spirit. Dr. Schreck explores how this gift is manifested in the Church and our faith response to what God reveals.